At the outset of 2 Chronicles Chapter 1, King Solomon has grown as a king and has earned the favor of God.
Solomon Makes Offerings to God
Solomon collected many of his followers to make burnt offerings to God. He took them to the high temple at Gibeon and brought along with him commanders, leaders, and judges from all throughout Israel. They offered 1,000 burnt offerings to God. Solomon then waited for God to speak to him. When the Lord did make His presence known, He told Solomon that he may ask for anything he wants and it would be given to him.
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
Solomon said that he was now ruler of all the people in his kingdom. In order to be an effective and good ruler, he wished the Lord would give him wisdom and knowledge.
God was very pleased with Solomon’s request. The Lord mentioned that since Solomon did not ask for wealth, treasures, or the ability to crush his enemies, God would award Solomon the wisdom and knowledge he so desired. God also stated He would provide great wealth and power to Solomon as a reward. He knew that Solomon’s wisdom and knowledge would temper his use of wealth and power.
Solomon Returns to Jerusalem
Solomon later left Gibeon and returned to Jerusalem where he continued to over all of Israel. The wealth Solomon amassed was on display. He gained thousands of horses and chariots. He amassed an incredible amount of gold and silver.
He did not horde his treasure, however. He shared his bounty with his people. Solomon also offered horses and wealth to the kings of the neighboring land. This led to greater harmony between the two nations.
2 Chronicles 1 (King James Version)
1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.
3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.
4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.
6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
13 Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.
14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.
16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.